NEWS that the Halifax bank’s agency office in Tarleton is to close has prompted a fierce fightback from local customers.

NEWS that the Halifax bank’s agency office in Tarleton is to close has prompted a fierce fightback from local customers.

The Church Road mini-bank will shut this autumn after a “reluctant” decision from The Venmore Partnership, which operates the desk from within its Ball & Percival estate agency. They cite fraught market conditions for pulling the service, which they say is not profitable.

Residents have hit back with a petition, saying that ”corporate greed” should not be at the heart of offering an “essential” community service.

Paul Blackham, 72, of Priory Close has used the bank for nearly 30 years. He said that using an alternative branch in Southport would be a massive hindrance to the village’s elderly population.

He said: “They have asked us to use other branches in Penwortham or Southport, but that is not an easy option if you are old or without a car.

“You might have to spend half a day travelling to Southport to make a simple withdrawal.”

A petition is being signed at Coe Lane Farm Shop, where owners, the Foulds family, frequently use the facility.

Son Sam, 19, said: “We have had about 50 signatures in just a few days, it’s an incredible response and people obviously feel very strongly about it.

“Most people in the village use the Halifax and we have very good relations with the staff there.

“To see it close would be a massive inconvenience to everyone, especially the elderly.”

The bank is to close as The Venmore Partnership concentrates on its successful estate agency portfolio at the Church Road building. Bosses said the economic climate and Halifax’s tough targets meant that the banking service was not commercially viable.

Associate partner Paul Furlong sympathised with locals, and said: “Tarleton is a very close community so when part of a service closes it is entirely understandable people become very upset. We are stuck between a rock and a hard place on this. In the current climate, the most important thing for us is to protect and make secure as many jobs as possible. We are certainly not making a profit on the banking side and as we are primarily an estate agent, it is important we focus on that.”

A Halifax spokesman commented: “Customers can continue to bank at Liverpool Road, Penwortham or London Street, Southport. They can also bank online and by phone.”